Batman,

I think our views on the polygraph are much closer than we first believed.  And I want to say "thank you" up front for your sincere reply.

Batman wrote on Mar 16^th, 2003 at 8:14pm:

It appears we also agree the inherent weakness is with the Examiner.  If an Examiner allows a bias to play a role in his administration of a polygraph, that certainly could have an impact on the outcome.

 
Given the amount of polygraphs given by so many examineres, if there is a bad apple out there, don't you think that some of the people on this site might have a legitimate bone to pick?  Or when you hear someone scream "false positive," do you immediately assume it was their "baggage?"

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There is also a large degree of uncertainty created by each individual Examinee and the personal "baggage" they bring into the room.  Experience and expertise of the Examiner also plays a major role, however for those programs that have a stringent quality control process, this particular aspect can be somewhat controlled.

You speak of an ideal system.  I only wish that all polygraph examiners worked this way.  From my personal polygraph experience, there was NO quality control, and it was examiner bias that deemed me deceptive.
If quality control is such an important part of the complete polygraph test, then how can an agency like the FBI have no quality control, and then take results of a PLCT polygraph as THE determining factor in the fate of an applicant?  I don't expect you to answer that, Batman, you don't have to speak for the FBI (I can't find anyone who will).  I'm just trying to show you how frustrating a polygraph experience can be -- a polygraph experience that is nothing like the one you describe.

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I guess the real point of contention lies in two areas.  First, the techniques utilized (PLCT v GQT for example), and the application of polygraph (screening v specific issue testing). I am not a supporter of utilizing polygraph as a pre-employment screening tool, unless it is to resolve credible derogatory information that surfaces during a background investigation.

No argument from me, pre-employment screening is a joke -- I know!  But you mention using the polygraph to resolve information surfaced in a bagkground check (the best way, in my opinion, to use the polygraph as a pre-employment tool).  If you have information from the background check, wouldn't you then switch to a GKT to confrim/deny it?  Wouldn't that be prudent, rather than use a PLCT?

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I have no reservations what so ever with the use of polygraph in support of criminal investigations, whether it is on Subjects, Victims, or Witnesses.

I second that, with an addendum -- teh results of the polygraph administered to the individuals is not the final say for the investigation, rather, a guide as to where the investigation should initailly focus.  And this should also be a GKT.

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As for PLCT v GQT, my experience and training is with PLCT's, however I believe the GQT may be less susceptible to the use of countermeasures.

If it is less suceptible, shouldn't it be used more?  Shouldn't the PLCT be used lees, to avoid the possibility of countermeasures being used?

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As for countermeasures, I believe trained; experienced Examiners can detect them.

I'm not going to ask you how - that's like asking the Colonel which eleven herbs and spices are in his Fried Chicken.

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Lastly, I believe the promotion of the use of countermeasures is wrong. . . . . There a many ways to go about changing or improving the societal system then to advocate the use of something that could be very harmful to that same society.

As you know, I am not in favor of countermeasures.  I think they perpetuate an already corrupt system.
Countermeasures are most effecitive, if I understand you correctly, on the PLCT.  And again, if I understand you correctly, the PLCT is not a well respected and effective test.  Given both of these statements, do you think the PLCT should be eliminated?  Is there another way to solve this problem?

I also want to ask a personal question for myself -- if I get a second polygraph, how am I going to NOT be accused of using countermeasures, since the FBI knows I am on this site?  Since I failed because of my alleged "unauthorized contact with foreign nationals" and "release of classified infromation to unauthorized foreign nationals," should I request that the FBI give me a GKT to resolve these issues?

Chris